Addiction is treatable
Addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment helps people counteract its disruptive effects on the brain and behaviour and regain control of their lives.
NIDA [2]Resources
Why it's worth seeking help
Evidence, honest answers and a private self-check — to help you or someone you love take the next step with confidence.
The evidence
Recovery is real — and it's more common than you think
The research is clear: addiction is a health condition, not a moral failure, and treatment works.
0million
people worldwide live with alcohol or drug use disorders. You are far from alone.
WHO, 2024 [1]0million+
deaths each year are linked to alcohol and drug use — deaths the WHO describes as preventable.
WHO, 2024 [1]0% at most
of people who need treatment receive it in countries reporting data. Stigma keeps too many from asking.
WHO, 2024 [1]Setbacks are not failure
Relapse rates for substance use disorders (40–60%) are similar to those of other chronic illnesses like hypertension and asthma. A relapse means treatment needs adjusting — not that recovery is impossible.
NIDA [2]Relationships matter
Recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. Family, friends and peers who believe in a person's ability to recover play a vital role.
SAMHSA [3]Recovery is possible for everyone
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives and strive to reach their full potential.
SAMHSA [3]Private self-check
How is your drinking, really?
These three questions come from the AUDIT-C, a short screening tool based on the World Health Organization's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [4].
It takes under a minute. Your answers stay on your device — nothing is sent or saved.
This is a screening aid, not a diagnosis. A “standard drink” is roughly one 340 ml beer, one small glass (125 ml) of wine, or one tot (25 ml) of spirits.
Myths vs facts
Let's clear a few things up
Myth“Asking for help means I'm weak.”
FactAsking for help takes courage. Addiction is a treatable health condition — seeking care is a sign of strength.
Myth“They have to hit rock bottom first.”
FactEarlier help usually means an easier recovery. There's no need to wait for things to get worse.
Myth“If you relapse, treatment didn't work.”
FactRelapse rates are similar to other chronic illnesses. It's a signal to adjust treatment, not to give up [2].
Myth“It's just stress — it will pass.”
FactOngoing stress often feeds drinking and drug use, and vice versa. Treating both together gives the best chance of lasting change.
Myth“Young people grow out of it.”
FactSome do — but many don't without support. That's why we welcome young people from 15 years old.
Myth“It's a private problem — family shouldn't be involved.”
FactRecovery is supported through relationships. Involving family strengthens the road ahead [3].
Helplines
Other places to find support in Namibia
LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia
Free, confidential national counselling helpline.
116Also toll-free on 106 · Office 061 226 889
Hephzibah Treatment Centre
Treatment for stress, alcohol and substance abuse, and addiction.
081 253 7069Available 24/7 · hebreb@iway.na
References
- World Health Organization (2024). Over 3 million annual deaths due to alcohol and drug use, majority among men — Global status report on alcohol and health and treatment of substance use disorders. WHO/PAHO press release
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction — Treatment and Recovery. nida.nih.gov
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA's working definition of recovery: 10 guiding principles of recovery (2012). drugsandalcohol.ie
- Babor, T.F. et al. (2001). AUDIT: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test — Guidelines for Use in Primary Health Care (2nd ed.). World Health Organization. who.int
- NBC News Namibia. Hephzibah Treatment Centre aims to restore hope. nbcnews.na
- LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia. lifelinechildline.org.na
Ready to talk? We're here 24/7.
One conversation can change the direction of a life. Reach out confidentially — for yourself or someone you love.